Cite Sources: Introduction

It is essential to cite your sources in any research paper you write, giving credit to those who have conducted original research and authored journal articles or books. This practice allows your instructor to review the sources you used and assess whether you have correctly understood the material.

Both in-text citations and the Reference List show that you have consulted multiple sources as required by the assignment. The References List also helps readers locate the sources you have used and further explore the topic.

When writing your paper, be sure to cite any information that is not your own original work. This includes direct quotes, paraphrased content, and ideas from other authors. Proper citation maintains academic integrity and acknowledges the contributions of others to your research.

Common knowledge, defined as information easily found in five or more sources, does not require citation. For example, "Presidents' Day in the United States is observed on the third Monday in February."

If you are ever unsure whether something needs to be cited, it is always safer to cite it.

At Harcum College, the following styles are used:

• AMA: Medicine and Health
• APA: Psychology, Education, and other Social Sciences
• ASA: Sociology
• MLA: English and the Humanities
• NLM: Medicine and Health

Your choice of citation style will be determined by your academic program and instructor. For more information, click on the Plagiarism & Academic Integrity tab.

• Abstract - A concise summary or overview of the main points and content of a longer work.

• Bibliography -  A list of all sources consulted and cited while writing a research paper or document.

• Citation - Essential details needed to identify and locate a book, article, or other source. Citations vary by format and citation style.

• Citation Style - A set of rules that determines the format for presenting citation information, including the order of details, punctuation, and overall formatting.

• In-text Citation - A brief reference within the body of your work that provides enough information to identify the full source listed in your reference list.

• MLA Works Cited / APA References List - These lists provide full citation details for all sources cited or referenced in a paper, formatted according to MLA or APA guidelines.